Care Quote by Jonathan Swift
“It is a maxim among these lawyers, that whatever hath been done before, may legally be done again: and therefore they take special care to record all the decisions formerly made against common justice and the general reason of mankind.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: A Modest Proposal, 1729
The quote sat how lawyers often repeat past rulings, ignoring broader justice and humanity.
In simple terms: Lawyers repeat old decisions, ignoring fairness.
Key Takeaway
Question the precedent when it harms fairness.
Themes
law
justice
precedent
humanity
ethics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtroom arguments
- policy drafting
- activist campaigning
- academic debate
Key Concepts
legalism
institutional inertia
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for precedent with moral progress?
- When should precedent be challenged?
A Different Perspective
Legal precedent can perpetuate injustice if unexamined.
